A fresh war of words has erupted between the Minister of Information, Media and Broadcasting Services, Dr Ismaila Ceesay, and outspoken activist Madi Jobarteh, following the minister’s attack on the legitimacy of the Edward Francis Small Center for Rights and Justice.

Dr Ceesay, reacting to repeated criticisms from Jobarteh on transparency and governance, dismissed the organisation as a personal initiative masquerading as an institution.

He argued that what is described as a “centre” lacks the basic features of a formal body, including an office, staff, equipment and an online presence.

“A centre means it has an office, staff, computers, a server and a website,” the minister said.

“This is an individual who created something and calls it a centre. He is the only one you see and the only one who writes. I have not seen an office, staff or anything.”

The information minister went further, accusing the activist of deceiving the public by presenting an individual platform as an established institution, describing the practice as “disingenuous” and “pure deception.”

He suggested Jobarteh should reconsider how he labels his work, arguing that accuracy matters in public discourse.

Dr Ceesay also used the moment to defend the government’s record, pointing to recent reforms such as the Anti-Corruption Act, the establishment of the Anti-Corruption Commission and the Access to Information law.

He insisted that transparency is guided by clear procedures and warned that failing to follow those processes could limit access to official information.

But the remarks triggered an immediate and explosive response from Madi Jobarteh, who accused the minister of arrogance, abuse and outright falsehoods.

In a statement, the activist said public office does not grant anyone immunity from criticism or accountability.

“Public office belongs to the people,” Jobarteh said, describing officials as servants, not lords.

He warned that intimidation or insults from those in power would not silence civic scrutiny, insisting that challenging authority is a democratic duty.

Jobarteh vowed that what he described as arrogance and incompetence by public officials would not go unchallenged, adding that a fuller response to the minister’s comments was forthcoming.

By Adama Makasuba